What is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)?
Definition
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the international standard, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), that defines how to make websites and digital content accessible to people with disabilities. The current version is WCAG 2.2.
Last updated 2026-10-18 · Flowmatix
How WCAG works
According to the W3C's WCAG overview, the guidelines are organised under four principles: content must be perceivable, operable and understandable, and it must work reliably with browsers and assistive technologies (the fourth principle). Under these sit testable success criteria at three levels:
- Level A: the minimum. Failing it blocks many users entirely, for example images with no text alternative or controls that cannot be reached by keyboard.
- Level AA: the level most laws and policies require, covering things like colour contrast, visible focus and consistent navigation.
- Level AAA: the strictest level, not expected across whole sites because some content cannot meet it.
WCAG 2.2 became a W3C Recommendation on 5 October 2023 and added criteria such as minimum target size and accessible authentication. The W3C notes that content meeting 2.2 also conforms to 2.1 and 2.0.
Example: a contact form with grey placeholder text instead of labels, an icon-only submit button and errors shown only in red fails several criteria. Adding visible labels, a text button, sufficient contrast and written error messages fixes it, and makes the form easier for everyone.
Why it matters for your business
In Ontario, the AODA's rules state that designated public sector organisations and businesses or non-profits with 50 or more employees must make public websites meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA, with exceptions for live captions and pre-recorded audio descriptions. Other jurisdictions have their own rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
Beyond compliance, accessible sites reach more customers, including older users and people on small screens or in bright sunlight. Many fixes, such as clear headings, descriptive links and fast, well-structured pages, also support SEO.
Common mistakes
- Relying on an automated overlay widget instead of fixing the underlying code.
- Low-contrast text, especially light grey on white.
- Images, icons and buttons without text alternatives or accessible names.
- Pop-ups and menus that trap or lose keyboard focus.
- Testing only with automated scanners, which miss many issues a keyboard or screen reader test would catch.
Frequently asked questions
Which WCAG level should my business aim for?
Level AA is the usual target, since it is the level most laws reference. Meeting the current version, 2.2, also covers earlier versions.
Is WCAG 3 replacing WCAG 2.2?
Not yet. The W3C describes WCAG 3 as an early draft, and WCAG 2.2 remains the published standard to follow.
Can AI tools make my site accessible?
They can help find and fix issues but cannot replace human testing. Our article on AI, accessibility, AODA and WCAG covers what works.
How Flowmatix can help
Our accessible design work puts this into practice for businesses in Toronto and around the world. Get a personalised quote in about 3 minutes.
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